The Department of Geography offers a program which has three principal objectives: to promote the understanding of the locational dimensions of human behavior in their environmental context; to offer a curriculum where geographic concepts and methods are applied to understanding economic, environmental and social problems at the urban and regional scale; and to promote international understanding through area studies. Thus, the purposes of the program are to contribute an important dimension to the university student's liberal education and to provide practical training in important contemporary areas of concern as well as the background appropriate for certain vocations.

Graduating majors of the department have found careers in business and industry, in urban and regional planning agencies, in departments of federal and state governments, and in teaching. Job titles include city or regional planner, cartographer, demographer, resource analyst, land or economic developer, location analyst, and teacher. Many graduates find that an undergraduate degree in geography is an excellent foundation for advanced graduate work or professional training in planning, business or law.

Special facilities of the department include fully equipped laboratories in computer cartography, geographic information systems, remote sensing, and physical geography with a variety of other specialized locational analysis programs for both instruction and research.

Geography Major (Bachelor of Arts)

Required: 122 semester hours

Concentrations

Urban Planning

Earth Science/Environmental Studies

The Geography Major requires four courses from a selection of fourteen and requires a minimum of 24 semester hours in geography above the 100-level. Students may elect a general geography major or they may complete additional courses for a concentration in Urban Planning or Earth Science/Environmental Studies.

All students must meet the All-University Liberal Education Requirements (AULER). The College of Arts and Sciences, however, has established liberal education requirements for its programs which, while including those of AULER, contain additional requirements in several categories. Therefore, students following this program should adhere to the College requirements. Please note that students who satisfy the College Liberal Education Requirements (CLER) will also satisfy the All-University Liberal Education Requirements (AULER). See College requirements and courses meeting AULER/CLER requirements.

Major Requirements

A minimum of 24 hours in geography above the 100-level. Only grades of "C-" or higher will count toward completion of the major and concentrations.

Core Courses for Geography Major and Concentrations

1. One geographic techniques course from GEO 321, 322, 323

2. One earth science course: GEO 103

3. One human geography course from GEO 105, 114, 202, 301, 302, 303

4. One regional geography course from GEO 102, 104, 313, 344

Urban Planning Concentration

The inter-regional shift of people and jobs in the United States and elsewhere over the past decades coupled with the movement away from large central cities has increased the need for formal urban and regional planning. Planners are needed in the private sector as well as in state and local governments to provide the appropriate kinds of economic and community development that will ensure a high quality of life in both developed and developing countries. In a growth region like the Southeast, geographers with a planning background are in increasing demand.

In addition to the core courses in geography listed above, students choosing this concentration are required to take GEO 202, 301 and 105 or 303, plus five courses from the following: GEO 302, 320, 321, 322, 344, 502, 522, 533.

Earth Science/Environmental Studies Concentration

A central theme of geography is human interaction with the earth's physical environment. This concentration permits students to apply the basic scientific principles of physical geography, cartography and natural resource analysis to the problem of ensuring a high quality of life through maintenance of the natural processes that support human existence. This concentration also provides training to enhance the employment opportunities of students with a strong interest in environmental assessment and resource evaluation.

In addition to the core courses in geography listed above, required courses for students choosing this concentration are GEO 311, 311L, 314, 314L, and five courses selected from the following: GEO 205, 305, 312, 321, 323, 330, 521, 523.

Related Area Requirements for General Geography Major

No specific additional courses beyond the core are required. Suggested courses in other departments and schools are recommended by the department, depending on the interest of the student.

Geography As A Second Major

A student may obtain a second major in geography along with any other major. The student should take 24 hours, including four core courses listed above for the Geography Major. Students considering this option should consult a faculty member in the department.

Geography Minor

Any six courses (18 semester hours) constitute a minor, but the following suggested course sequences will be of interest to certain students pursuing specific majors and with certain career objectives such as planning, environmental conservation, or business:

5. Geography Minor for majors in the School of Business and Economics - For the major who wishes to acquire knowledge of industrial location, international trade, demographic change and environmental impact any six courses from: 103, 105, 202, 301, 302, 303, 344, 522, 533.

Teacher Licensure in Social Studies

Students seeking teacher licensure should see "Teacher Education" in Part 7. Licensure in social studies is available for geography majors. See Teacher Licensure in Social Studies in Teacher Education Programs.

Majors planning to teach geography/social studies in the secondary schools should plan their programs to include one of the following: GEO 102, 104, or 344 and one of the following courses: GEO 105, 114, or 202.

Geography Courses (GEO)

Courses For Undergraduates

102 The Historical Geography of the Western World (3:3).

A study of the geographical factors which combine to form the major cultural regions of North America, Europe, and Australia-New Zealand. [HP, CHP-CMO].

103 Introduction to Earth Science (3:3).

Survey of basic concepts and processes integrating the nature of the earth's three primary physical systems: the solid earth and continents; the ocean basins and the oceans; and the atmosphere's weather. [NS, CPS].

104 The Geography of the Nonwestern World (3:3).

A study of the geographical factors which combine to form the major culture regions of Africa, Asia, and the Soviet Union. [NW, CNW].

Introduction to the nature, origin, processes, and dynamics of the atmosphere. Consideration also of human modification of the atmosphere and of climatic change. [NS, CPS].

311L Climatology Laboratory (1:0:3).

Pr. concurrent registration in 311.

Laboratory work to accompany 311. [NS, CPS].

312 Geomorphology of North America(3:3).

A survey of the various landscape regions of the North America. Emphasis on the relationships between the geologic, erosional, and climatic processes occurring in each region.

313 Natural Resource Regions of North America (3:1:6).

Pr. 103 or 314 and permission of instructor.

Regional natural resource use and associated human interaction with the natural environment. Instruction takes place during an extended field trip across portions of North America.

314 Physical Geography: Landscape Processes (3:3).

Pr. 103 or equivalent, and concurrent registration in GEO 314.

Examination of the processes responsible for the development of the earth's varied terrain characteristics. Analysis of environmental problems involving human impact on landscape and river systems. [NS, CPS].

314L Physical Geography Laboratory (1:0:3).

Pr. concurrent registration in GEO 314.

Laboratory demonstrations and map interpretation exercises to accompany GEO 314, which must be taken concurrently. [NS, CPS].

The science of cartography with an emphasis on the use of maps as descriptive and analytical tools. Laboratory work introduces computer mapping, compilation, design, and symbolization.

322 Research Methods in Geography (3:3).

Use of the scientific method, data collection, spatial analysis, and technical writing. Development of fundamental research and quantitative skills in geography.

323 Remote Sensing (3:2:3).

Acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of digital and photographic imagery. Emphasis on use of satellite and aircraft imagery for classification and monitoring of the earth's physical and cultural landscape.

330 Elements of Hydrology (3:3).

Pr. 103 or 311 or 314, or consent of instructor.

Introduction to the origin, properties, occurrence, circulation of the waters of the earth, including the application of hydrologic techniques for the evaluation of regional water budgets and problems relating to the conservation of water resources.

338 Regions of Latin America (3:3).

Geographic distinctiveness of Latin American regions, with an emphasis upon the physical foundation, bases of past development, and recent transformation. Major consideration given to Mexico/Central America, Peru/Bolivia, and Brazil.

344 Geography of the United States and Canada (3:3).

Study of the human and physical characteristics of the United States and Canada, with emphasis on the former. [SB, CSB].

490 Special Problems in Geography (3).

Pr. consent of faculty member with whom student wishes to work and at least 3 hours of previous work in geography.

Opportunity for advanced students to undertake independent study of field research of special interest.

491 Current Topics in Population (3:3).

May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

Multidisciplinary seminar dealing with major topics concerned with national and international issues. (Not offered every year.)

493 Honors Work (3-6).

See prerequisites under Honors Program, XXX 493.

May be repeated for credit if the topic of study changes.

495 Internship in Geography (3:0:9).

Pr. written permission required before registering for the internship.

Practical experience in a professional setting related to the student's main topic of interest. Includes a research paper linking the topic to the experience. (FA,SP,SU)

Courses For Advanced Undergraduates and Graduate Students

502 Urban Planning (3:3).

Pr. 302 or consent of instructor.

Experiences in planning and primary concepts and procedures utilized by planners in city and local government agencies for improving the quality of the urban environment.